Memorials › Darrel Dewayne Johnson

Darrel Dewayne Johnson

25 Aug 1933 – 16 Oct 2024

Birth25 Aug 1933
Death16 Oct 2024
CemeteryMissoula Cemetery
Missoula , Missoula County , Montana , USA
Added bymichael spurzem on 24 Oct 2024
FaGhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/275721306

Bio

Darrel D. Johnson, 91, of Missoula, passed away on October 16, 2024. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Garden City Funeral Home followed by a graveside service with military honors at City Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. Published by the Missoulian , Missoula, MT on Saturday, October 19, 2024 Follow Up Darrel D. Johnson died October 16, 2024, at home with family by his side at age 91. He was born August 25, 1933, in Burlington Junction, Mo., to Herman and Etta (Parish) Johnson. His mother moved him from Quitman, Mo. to Council Bluff, Iowa where he was raised with two half brothers, Donald and Dennis Dannat; and one half-sister, Lolita (Dannat) Loudon. He entered the Army and served two years in Washington and California. He moved to Montana where he married Janice L. Needles, October 11, 1958, in Missoula Mont. He joined the Missoula County Sheriffs Department in 1959 and transferred to the Missoula City Police Department in 1964 until he retired in 1986. He was also with the Powell County Sheriffs Department for six years until 1992. Darrel and his wife were very active in Cub Scouts (Pack 6), Webelos (Pack 6), and Boy Scouts (Troops 6 and 60) and, along with Sheriff John Moe, started the Annual Missoula Law Enforcement Youth Camp in 1965 held at Camp Paxson, Seeley Lake, Mont. Darrel was the coordinator for the first 17 years and continued supporting it for as long as his health could keep up with it. He was also a self-proclaimed Mountain Man and loved Black Powder Muskets and wrote a cook book, "Dutch Oven Cooking", for a Program called 'Becoming An Outdoors Woman.' His study in law enforcement led him to the history of Montanan's fighting crime and the Vigilante Day's of struggles with Outlaws in the Montana Territory, when lawmen were few and far between. Darrel and his wife, Jan, would make leather and buckskin outfits, moccasins, Walking Sticks, powder horns, beaded pouches, and Coon Skin hats. Darrel wanted to live in those days, not just read about them ("Born 100 years late"). He helped raise money for the March of Dimes in the 1960's, including once with a live demonstration complete with a robbery of North Town Missoula on Higgins Ave. The bank robberies (and local businesses) included robbing the train and Train Station. Pretending to rob traffic as they drove by for donations. It included a shootout between The Vigilantes and members of the Plumber Gang. Those who survived were hung in a (staged) vacant lot across from the old Missoulian location on North Higgins. Darrel was unique in his ability for Fund Raising for various Youth Groups. One was the Annual Troop 60 Boy Scouts Chili Feed. His 'Off Time' included working Security for High School and College games. Darrel will be missed by family, friends, and the Missoula Community. His support for youths, the disabled and disadvantaged made him known by so many and his efforts will continue in the Missoula area. He was preceded in death by Janice (Jan), his loving and supportive wife of 43 Years; two daughters, Trina and Dora; brothers, Donald Dannat and Dennis Dannat and their wives, Carol and Patricia, respectively; sister, Lolita and her husband, Tom; and great-granddaughter, Taylor Cameron Johnson. He is survived by his son, Monte and wife, Charlotte; granddaughter, Mandie Jo Hunt; and grandson, Anthony (Tony) Johnson and wife, Kaitlyn; son-in-law, Charles Miller III; grandson, Joshua Johnson and wife, Nicole; grandson, Charles Miller IV; grandson, Justin Miller; grandson, Jason Miller and wife, Katie; granddaughter, Rita Berry and her husband; granddaughter, Christina Manley; grandson, Darrel (Little Darrel) John Johnson; and many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Funeral Services will be Friday October 25, at 2 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home with a procession to Missoula City Cemetery for interment. Please join the Family after interment back at Garden City Funeral home for a meal of a few of Darrel's favorite recipes. If you knew Darrel through the Boy Scouts, Law Enforcement Youth Camp, American Legion, Veterans or Law Enforcement please wear your uniform or attire from those Services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either Boy Scouts Troop 60, Willard High School, or Law Enforcement Youth Camp, all of which Darrel loved supporting. Published by the Missoulian , Missoula, MT on Thursday, October 24, 2024 (Thanks to Find A Grave member David Larson, #48159658, for the plot number.)

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